Most of the bills we were concerned about have all been amended or are a couple of the Gov.’s bills. We are basically in the watch mode.

When you are following the Legislation we are watching, and the bill is passed out of the original side that it was introduced in, we will move it to where the bill is currently being debated HB to Senate and Senate to the House side. Example below. HB 1031 is now listed on the Senate side because it has passed the House.

HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill

SDWF comments on the Bill

Location of Bill and scheduled hearing of Bill

Link to actual Bill

House Bills:

Senate Bills:

HB 1181: create a habitat conservation emblem specialty plate. This is a good idea, but requires new plates to be issued and installed every year. Some of us look at each new plate as collectibles, and others look at the annual cost, or would prefer not to have to change plates on an annual basis, especially those of us who must do so in the dead of winter. The bill does not give the final price for the plates each year, except it is expected to be $20 to $30 for the sticker, plus $10 will be added for administrative costs and fees. However, this is a voluntary tax, and SDWF supports the concept. Passed House to failed in SEnate http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1181&Session=201

HB 1024: authorize certain species of game fish to be used as bait This bill allows certain game fish (bluegills) to be used as bait. While it is not the most pressing or important issue, SDWF disagrees with using game fish as bait. However, other laws still apply as far as methods of take, limits and sales of game fish. The overall effect will be minimal. Passed House to Senate Passed tro the Gov.

HB 1073: revise provisions regarding the killing of certain birds or animals from an aircraft. If passed would allow persons to check and locate varmints and predators with an airplane or drone. On private property only and with permission from landowner. All public lands are excluded. PassedHouse, Passed Senate to Gov.

HB 1159: repeal a provision that prohibits hunting mourning doves on public roads and highways.SDWF supports this bill, but a note of caution: SD lost road hunting for doves decades ago because of the unethical actions of a few. We believe the current law forbidding shooting sitting birds, plus the laws against shooting to close to buildings and reckless discharge of weapons will prevent future problems. Passed House passed Senate to Gov. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1159&Session=2019

SB 153: authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to provide for a special hunting license with the proceeds to be used for habitat.This bill is extremely unclear how the special license will be used, including the game species, and how the funds will be spent: “Proceeds from the application fee collected shall be used for habitat programs.” There are dozens of current or potential habitat programs, including cost share for food plots on private lands and spraying weeds on GPAs. We need more information and input before deciding to support this bill or not. Money spent does not necessarily equal money well spent, and these are sportsman’s dollars. In addition, this will possibly end up with nonresidents being able to apply for elk and East River any deer special hunting licenses. Currently, nonresident are not allowed in these drawings. SDWF is monitoring. Passed Senate to House Ag. Passed House.to Gov.

SB 176: make an appropriation for the second century habitat fund and to declare an emergency. This is a Gov.’s bill where she is asking the Leg. To budget $1 Million and offer it up as matching funds raised for habitat; $1 for $1 in private donations. SDWF will support. Scheduled for hearing 2-27-2019in Joint Appropriations. Passed $500,000 http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=176&Session=2019

Or call and leave a message with the pages; tell them who message is for, the message, who you are. The page will deliver your phone message to their desk

Senate 773-3821

House 773-3851

Please write your response in your own words. It is fine to use our suggestions, but best if you do not simply just copy our points. Make your message a personal note from you to them. Include a family fishing picture if you have one for effect. As always, be polite and respectful.

Please include your name, number and address on all messages sent to your Legislators.

Thank you for all that you do! Together we can and do make a difference!

The Gov.’s 3 bills seem to be held up on the final floors. All of them have been deferred for several days.

SB 153: authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to provide for a special hunting license with the proceeds to be used for habitat.

SB 176: make an appropriation for the second century habitat fund and to declare an emergency.

HB 1181: create a habitat conservation emblem specialty plate.

Most of the bills we were concerned about have all been amended or are a couple of the Gov.’s bills. We are basically in the watch mode.

When you are following the Legislation we are watching, and the bill is passed out of the original side that it was introduced in, we will move it to where the bill is currently being debated HB to Senate and Senate to the House side. Example below. HB 1031 is now listed on the Senate side because it has passed the House.

HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill

SDWF comments on the Bill

Location of Bill and scheduled hearing of Bill

Link to actual Bill

House Bills:

SB 153: authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to provide for a special hunting license with the proceeds to be used for habitat.This bill is extremely unclear how the special license will be used, including the game species, and how the funds will be spent: “Proceeds from the application fee collected shall be used for habitat programs.” There are dozens of current or potential habitat programs, including cost share for food plots on private lands and spraying weeds on GPAs. We need more information and input before deciding to support this bill or not. Money spent does not necessarily equal money well spent, and these are sportsman’s dollars. In addition, this will possibly end up with nonresidents being able to apply for elk and East River any deer special hunting licenses. Currently, nonresident are not allowed in these drawings. SDWF is monitoring. Passed Senate to House Ag. Passed to full House.

SB 176: make an appropriation for the second century habitat fund and to declare an emergency. This is a Gov.’s bill where she is asking the Leg. To budget $1 Million and offer it up as matching funds raised for habitat; $1 for $1 in private donations. SDWF will support. Scheduled for hearing 2-27-2019in Joint Appropriations. Passed $500,000 http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=176&Session=2019

Senate Bills:

HB 1181: create a habitat conservation emblem specialty plate. This is a good idea, but requires new plates to be issued and installed every year. Some of us look at each new plate as collectibles, and others look at the annual cost, or would prefer not to have to change plates on an annual basis, especially those of us who must do so in the dead of winter. The bill does not give the final price for the plates each year, except it is expected to be $20 to $30 for the sticker, plus $10 will be added for administrative costs and fees. However, this is a voluntary tax, and SDWF supports the concept. Passed House to Senate Transportation passed to full Senate http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1181&Session=201

HB 1201 revise provisions regarding group pheasant hunts for disabled veterans. Passed House to Senate Military, passed to full Senate

HB 1024: authorize certain species of game fish to be used as bait This bill allows certain game fish (bluegills) to be used as bait. While it is not the most pressing or important issue, SDWF disagrees with using game fish as bait. However, other laws still apply as far as methods of take, limits and sales of game fish. The overall effect will be minimal. Passed House to Senate Passed tro the Gov.

HB 1073: revise provisions regarding the killing of certain birds or animals from an aircraft. If passed would allow persons to check and locate varmints and predators with an airplane or drone. On private property only and with permission from landowner. All public lands are excluded. PassedHouse, Passed Senate to Gov.

HB 1159: repeal a provision that prohibits hunting mourning doves on public roads and highways.SDWF supports this bill, but a note of caution: SD lost road hunting for doves decades ago because of the unethical actions of a few. We believe the current law forbidding shooting sitting birds, plus the laws against shooting to close to buildings and reckless discharge of weapons will prevent future problems. Passed House passed Senate to Gov. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1159&Session=2019

Or call and leave a message with the pages; tell them who message is for, the message, who you are. The page will deliver your phone message to their desk

Senate 773-3821

House 773-3851

Please write your response in your own words. It is fine to use our suggestions, but best if you do not simply just copy our points. Make your message a personal note from you to them. Include a family fishing picture if you have one for effect. As always, be polite and respectful.

Please include your name, number and address on all messages sent to your Legislators.

Thank you for all that you do! Together we can and do make a difference!